Canterbury District moves to Open Fire Season
20 March 2023
Fire and Emergency is relaxing restrictions on outdoor fires in its Canterbury District from today (Monday 20 March).
District Manager Dave Stackhouse says the underlying fire danger has eased due to rain and generally cooler autumn conditions, enabling almost all of the district to move from restricted back to open season. The special Forest Protection Zones around Canterbury's production forests will remain in a Restricted Season until further notice.
In open season, outdoor fires are allowed as long as people take sensible precautions including avoiding lighting fires when strong winds are forecast, watching the fire at all times, and making sure it is completely out before leaving.
The area covered by the open fire season includes the Selwyn, Waimakariri and Hurunui Districts, Christchurch and Kaikoura District from the North Bank of the Rakaia River.
There is safety advice for all kinds of fires, including bonfires, land management fires and hangi / umu at www.checkitsalright.nz.